• curbstickle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    23 days ago

    If you read my name, and I pointed out that your pronunciation was wrong, would you tell me my pronunciation is incorrect due to pronunciation rules rather than how my parents named me?

    Edit: and I’ll just note, a soft g is very well defined, and is usually behind an e, i, or y, while a hard g is typically behind an a, o, or u, but let’s focus on the whole “who gets to choose how a name is pronounced” bit for a moment.

    • Grimy@lemmy.world
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      23 days ago

      let’s focus on the whole “who gets to choose how a name is pronounced”

      A words meaning and prononciation is collectively decided through usage.

      • curbstickle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        23 days ago

        So the creator, the way a soft vs hard g is used in the English language, etc, none of that matters.

        Noted, enjoy your day.

        • Grimy@lemmy.world
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          23 days ago

          Girl, gift, gig, giggle, giddy, gizzard, gibbon, girth, girdle.

          It’s not uncommon.

          But yes, what matters most is how people prononce it. Even if this goes against what the creator wants.

          The main dictionary websites wouldn’t have the hard g prononciation if the creators will was the defining factor.

    • PapaStevesy@lemmy.world
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      23 days ago

      This g isn’t behind anything, it’s in front of an i. Add a t to the end of it, that’s the most similar word in the entire language. The people using the word choose how it’s pronounced, that’s what language is.